Earnhardt Jr. cleared to race at Martinsville

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been cleared to race at Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Martinsville Speedway. Earnhardt had missed the last two races after suffering a concussion in a crash on the last lap at Talladega Superspeedway. Regan Smith drove the No. 88 Chevrolet during Earnhardt’s absence.

Today Hendrick Motorsports released a statement that Earnhardt Jr. had been cleared to race.

“Dale Jr. has done everything asked of him,” Dr. Jerry Petty was quoted as saying in the statement. “He hasn’t had a headache since Oct. 12, and we have not been able to provoke any symptoms since that time. I have informed NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports that he is medically cleared for all NASCAR-related activity.”

Earnhardt ran 123 laps in a test session on Monday at Gresham Motorsports Park in Jefferson, Ga. Tuesday morning Earnhardt had a final neuropsychological evaluation with Dr. Petty in Charlotte, Nc.

Smith has been rumored to be an option for a seat at Earnhardt’s Nationwide team, JR Motorsports. AJ Allmendinger will continue to drive the No. 51 Chevrolet for Phoenix Racing this weekend leaving Smith’s status unknown.